In this episode of the AJP Podcast, host Carlene McMaugh sits down with Anna Theophilos, who takes listeners through her journey into an educator on social media – and how to cut through misinformation about vaccines.

Discussing the importance of communicating about the risks of influenza, especially for people aged over 50, and RSV, Theophilos says that the public already know and trust pharmacists as vaccinators.

“What needs to shift is not necessarily public perception, but it’s the system’s willingness to formally recognise what pharmacists already are, which we are immunisation leaders,” she says – noting that this also means appropriate remuneration and a new look at vaccinating outside community pharmacies.

01:23 – Theophilos’ mission

02:10 – From a “very sad Facebook page” to effective social media communication

04:30 – Where Theophilos gets ideas for content

05:45 – “I actually think the public is already ahead of the system on this one.”

09:04 – How she plans to work with the PSA to advocate for legislative change to support pharmacist immunisers

10:10 – System and funding barriers

12:55 – Work in aged care

14:30 – How can a busy community pharmacy integrate high volume vaccination programs without compromising safety or staff wellbeing?

16:49 – Ensuring financial viability

19:38 – High-level discussions

21:40 – Collaborating with local GPs

26:07 – “Vaccination will always be the inaugural proof point for full scope.”

28:19 – Advice for ECPs

30:51 – The most common vaccine myth Theophilos debunks

32:32 – “I’d make every vaccine funded.”

33:27 – A call to action

You can access the full transcript of this podcast here. While we endeavour to ensure all important words and phrases are correct, please note there may be some minor inaccuracies in the transcription.

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